MIC received its second bronze Athena Swan Award at a special reception held in Trinity College Dublin earlier this week.
The renewal of the prestigious designation—first achieved in 2019—represents another key milestone and recognition of MIC’s commitment to advancing gender equality and intersectionality and is “a testament to the commitment and collegiality of a whole institutional approach that has engaged the entire staff and student community” according to Professor Lorraine McIlrath, Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII) at MIC.
“Applying for the renewal of the Athena Swan has been a process of critical self-reflection of the culture and progress at Mary Immaculate College, and it is the result of an extensive self-assessment process. Despite the pandemic and post-pandemic periods, our commitment to Athena SWAN and Actions set in our Bronze Award in 2019 have been realised,” outlined Prof. McIlrath.
Some of the achievements during the timeframe included; the creation of a central MIC Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII) Office; the appointment of the Director of EDII with a further three full-time employees and two newly appointed EDII Faculty Leads in Arts and Education, and the development of the MIC EDII Strategic Plan that aligns with the Athena Swan Action Plan 2019-2023 and Charter.
Other important developments include: Training in various areas related to EDII for staff and students across the College including the Aurora Women’s Leadership Programme, Menopause, Gender Identity and Inclusion, EDII In higher education online programme, Bystander and Consent; development of new policies and guidelines including the Gender Expression and Identity Policy, Menopause Guidelines, Adoption Leave policy, Carer's Policy, MIC Blended Working Policy and amendment of the Shorter Working Year (SWY) policy to include temporary staff, and in collaboration with the Limerick Clare Education and Training Board, MIC developed and delivered the Certificate in English Language for Academic Purposes for new communities seeking international protection.
The reception, which was hosted by Athena Swan Ireland, also saw Professor Mcllrath present to all those present on one such successful development – that of mainstreaming and normalising the menopause at MIC. This initiative has seen the development of Menopause Guidelines for staff and line managers, establishment of Menopause Champions and the Menopause Café. Feedback on this unique initiative included “The openness and positivity around supporting staff experiencing menopause has been amazing. From the launch of the menopause policy to training for menopause champions, the easy availability of fans and flooding packs, and expert workshops, it's all been very inclusive and extremely informative.”
Also in attendance at the event was Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, who extended his congratulations to all involved.
"I would like thank Lorraine for her leadership in our critical, collaborative, and impactful work against the principles and practices outlined under the Athena Swan Charter.
I reject the familiar but lazy affirmation of 'good job' and instead hope that Lorraine, the excellent team she leads, and indeed everyone who has contributed to their submissions, finds true value and reward in their own work.
I highlight the significance of securing the renewal of MIC’s Bronze Award, but in the same breath, I affirm our ambition to secure Silver in the next assessment. I also add that such an ambition cannot be realized within or through the paradigm of continuous improvement that asks us to 'do things better.' On the contrary, moving forward with the charter and delivering on access, equity, and inclusion requires that we 'do better things.”
